Introduction
To witness the beauty of the third highest mountain in the world in all its glory, is an experience of a lifetime. Embarking on the Goechala Trek will take you through the vibrant landscape of Sikkim and bring you closer to the marvels of Mother nature. However, this 90 kilometer trek will push your boundaries and test your fitness levels. Before you embark on this challenging yet rewarding journey, you must know certain details about the trek that will help make the journey smoother and more convenient for you. As you breathe in the cool mountain air, experience the tranquility of North-east India that is known for.
How to Reach?
You will have to arrive at the Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri which connects you to the tourist attractions in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim. For train passengers, the arrival junction is the New Jalpaiguri Junction located at the heart of the city. From here, you can easily book a cab and reach Yuksom, the base camp for your trek in 6 hours. Soak in the picturesque vistas of the Teesta River and take pictures at the Coronation Bridge before you make your way to Sikkim.
Best Time For Travelling
The summer months between April and May offer you stunning visuals of the entire terrain which is usually covered with snow. The Rhododendrons adorned the route towards Goechala bloom during this period lending a beautiful carmine hue to the place. However, the best months to visit are September, October and November when the skies are clear, weather is pleasant and the Kanchenjunga peak stands tall for you to capture and add to your travel diaries.
Journey Overview
The base camp for the journey is Yuksom, a picturesque village in Western Sikkim which serves as the gateway to the Khangchendzonga National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. It is blessed with a rich landscape not only in terms of nature but also culture. There are several monasteries and Buddhist temples like the Mani Hall. You can also go for a jeep Safari or visit the holy Kartok Lake, full of red and gold fishes, providing a unique visual. From Yuksom, you will be heading towards Sachen. On the way, you will have to cross several bridges such as the Pha Khola, cascading waterfalls such as the Tshushay Khola and gushing rivers of Mentogang Khola and Rathong Chu. The reddish and yellowish tint of Rhododendrons coupled with the pristine white mountains in the background makes this place worth a visit.
The next day, go towards Tshoka through the quaint village of Bakhim. You may catch a glimpse of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Pandim from the lush meadows that you will be crossing. On day 4, you will be covering the stretch between Tshoka and Phedang as well as between Phedang and Dzongri. This is where the trek becomes slightly difficult as the ascent is steep and narrow. After an uphill climb one reaches the meadows of Phedang where one can rest for a while before heading towards Dzongri. This journey is full of steep ascents and zigzag roads and thus, you must be careful with your footing. Breathe easy as the air may get a little crisp and thinner as you reach an altitude of 12,980 ft. Spend the night camping under the stars and restore your energy for the next day. It is said that the sunrise from Dzongri Top is mesmerizing as the morning sun lends a golden hue to the snow-covered Kanchenjunga Peak.
The next day, head towards Thansing via Kokchurang, famous for its verdant grasslands. You will be accompanied by the glistening waters of the Prek Chu River right up till the Thansing campsite, surrounded by Rhododendrons, Pine Trees and the colossal peaks. The descent from Thansing takes you to Lamuney, a resting spot for trekkers after traversing the steep and rugged mountain terrain at an altitude of 13,600 ft. The visuals offered on Day 8 will hold a special place in your heart. From Lamuney, you will head towards Samiti Lake, Zemathang and finally Goecha La, although the actual pass is not accessible for tourists. The Samiti Tso is an alpine glacial lake and its crystal clear, turquoise waters allows you to take a peek at the aquatic life beneath the surface.
The panoramic view from an altitude of 16,200 ft is a sight to behold. From the colossal Kanchenjunga peak to the crystal sculpture of Zemu Glacier, the vistas are worth all the effort. Trace your steps back and descend towards Kokchurang where you can experience living in the traditional Sikkimese cottages and feel the warmth of the place. On the remaining two days, head back to Sikkim and explore the vibrant culture of the place.
Conclusion
This year, experience the beauty of North-East India, the hospitality of its people and the natural wonders nestled in every part of the region. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to discover your potential by going on this challenging yet rewarding trek.
